Historian to speak on the world tour of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb

MIDDLEBORO — The annual membership meeting of the Middleborough Historical Association will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. at Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant on West Grove Street (Rte. 28).

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Posted Oct. 24, 2013 at 5:25 PM

Posted Oct. 24, 2013 at 5:25 PM

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MIDDLEBORO — The annual membership meeting of the Middleborough Historical Association will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. at Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant on West Grove Street (Rte. 28).

The program will feature Eric Lehman, who is an historian, travel writer and the director of creative writing at the University of Bridgeport, Conn. His essays, stories, and reviews have been published in dozens of journals, newspapers and magazines. He is the author of numerous books about the Nutmeg State.

Mr. Lehman's new book, "Becoming Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton, P.T. Barnum and the Dawn of American Celebrity," is the first academic biography of this iconic American entertainer and will be available for purchase at the program. Mr. Lehman's talk will include the three-year world tour of Tom and Lavinia, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb, which started just a few weeks after the Golden Spike was driven uniting rail service west to east. From San Francisco, the famous couple and troupe performed in Japan, China, Australia, India, Egypt, Italy and England and met emperors and dignitaries including Queen Victoria.

Many artifacts from this tour are on display at the Middleborough Historical Museum.

Lunch is "Lorenzo's Famous Hot & Cold Buffet." Cost for the buffet lunch is $20. Those planning to attend should make reservations by this Saturday by mailing a check to M.H.A.,P O Box 304, Middleboro, MA 02346. Those who wish to attend just the program should plan to arrive by 2:30 p.m. The program is open to the public, however non-members who wish to attend are asked to make a $5 donation. For any questions, call Cynthia at 508-947-3394.

This program is partially funded by a grant from the Middleboro Cultural Council.